Nancy S. Chevlin

Nancy S. Chevlin, a beloved mother, devoted wife, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, with her loving husband by her side. She was 88.

Born on February 27, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, Nancy grew up on the city's south side alongside her two older sisters and younger brother. She graduated from Hirsch High School and continued her education at DePaul University, where she met the love of her life, Howard Chevlin. They were married in 1958, beginning a remarkable partnership that would span 67 years.
Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from DePaul and began her career teaching physical education at Thornton School District 154. Driven by her passion for helping children, she later earned a Master's Degree in early childhood education and subsequently developed and implemented the district's first Early Education Head Start Program. She retired in 1994 after 35 successful and impactful years of teaching, having touched the lives of every child in her care.
Nancy and Howard settled in South Holland, where they raised their two boys, Michael and Paul. She was their biggest cheerleader and loved being their mom. A cornerstone of her community, Nancy maintained an active social life, hosting neighborhood bunco games and playing for years in a local volleyball league as part of the legendary "Old Smoothies."

In their retirement, Nancy and Howard moved to New Lenox. She embraced new interests, taking up golf and even achieving a "hole in one" at Square Links Golf Course in Frankfort. Later in life, she became an avid Mahjong player, regularly hosting games with her many friends in the Grand Prarie development.

Nancy's dedication to her sons was only outshined by her profound love for her four granddaughters: Julia, Lydia, Mabel, and Rose, who truly were the light of her life. She traveled to Ft. Sherman, Panama, where Michael was stationed, for the birth of her first granddaughter, Julia, and rode on the Panama Canal during her visit. Numerous trips to Washington D.C. followed for Julia and Lydia's milestones, including "running" in the annual Turkey Trot with Michael and Sarah. Likewise, she was a regular fixture in the active lives of her two granddaughters in Park Ridge, Mabel and Rose, attending countless dance recitals, basketball and volleyball games, and every school and religious milestone. No one ever had a conversation with Nancy where she didn't mention her "four beauties." Nancy also took immense pride in the success of her two daughters in law, Sarah and Lorna.

While her memory began fading in the last few years, Nancy never lost her sharp wit, managing to crack jokes and regularly express her love for her family. Her 65th wedding anniversary, attended by over 100 friends and family, was a truly special day for her and Howard. Nancy will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Nancy was survived by her Husband of 67 years Howard Chevlin, her children Michael (Sarah) Chevlin and Paul (Lorna) Chevlin, her Grandchildren Julia, Lydia, Mabel, and Rose, her three great-grandchildren James, Charles, and Felicity, and her brother Philip R. Santoro, Jr.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Philip and Mabel Santoro.

A visitation will be held Friday January 9th, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church at 8305 North Harlem Avenue, Niles, IL.

Internment Private, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetary, Elwood, IL